Golden Daisies for Autumn

Black-eyed susans are aptly named.

Although they are best grown in full sun, they also handle a bit of shade.

Rudbeckias attract birds, bees and butterflies to the garden.

A mass planting of black-eyed susans.

Seed heads provide food for birds during the fall and winter.

'Prairie Sun' is an annual rudbeckia, also referred to as a gloriosa daisy.

A grass path lined with masses of black-eyed susans.

Common Name: black-eyed Susans, rudbeckias, gloriosa daisy
Botanical Name: Rudbeckia spp.
Form:   upright, vase shape with round top
Family: Asteraceae, sunflower family
Genus: Rudbeckia
Species: numerous
Plant Type:  annual or perennial depending on species
Mature Size: depends on variety, species, cultivar
Growth: fast
Origin: North America
Hardiness Zone: perennials Zones 4 to 9
Foliage: leaves with coarse hairs, light green, simple, entire
Flowers: composite, yellow petals surrounding a black disks comprised of tiny florets. 
Propagation: seeds, basal cuttings, division
Stems: green with short coarse hairs
Exposure: full sun best
Soil: not fussy, but prefers well-draining soils
Water: drought resistant once established
Uses: Birds, bees and butterfly gardens. Cut flower gardens, containers, woodlands, rock gardens, meadows, mixed borders
Propagation:  seeds, basal cuttings and root divisions of perennials
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to prolong the flowering period.
​Problems: Powdery mildew
Comments:
Leave the seed heads on at the end of the season for the birds. They will also self-seed, which is perfect for naturalized areas. Deer and rabbit resistant. Attracts bees and butterflies. Drought tolerant once established. Perennial and annual types available so read the plant label to make sure you have the correct one. 
Cultivars and Varieties

• Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii "Goldsturm": perennial, 2ft, reliable, pest free, blooms from August well into fall. Stems are hairy with ridges. Plants spread with runners and seeds, but are not considered invasive.
• Rudbeckia hirta "Prairie Sun": An annual with 5 inch wide flowers. Petals are orange with yellow tips. The central disk is green, grows to 3 ft. Drought and salt tolerant.
• ​Rudbeckia hirta ‘Toto’: A compact annual, grows to 10 inches, fragrant 2 to 3 inch yellow, orange or mahogany coloured petals with a chocolate brown central disk   

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm',

'Toto' is a compact annual black-eyed susan.

'Goldsturm' black-eyed susans, Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii, are a popular and reliable cultivar.